1) Write for two of the same instruments (i.e. two clarinets) or - with your instructor's permission - two different instruments (i.e. flute and bassoon, Clarinet and cello, etc. or even Piano LH & RH). Be sure to discuss with your instructor any issues of instrument "transposition."
2) A pedal point on the first scale degree, or between 1 and 5, must be maintained throughout either in one part or shared between both parts (it may switch), using any of the pedal point types described in the video above (i.e. long sustain, ostinato rhythm, DO-SOLetc.). I will allow small departures from asserting a continuous pedal, but they must be momentary.
3) The non-pedal point part should employ a melodic contour (i.e. arch shape, ascending to climax, etc.) or some other musically compelling organizing principle.
4) The length should be no less than the equivalent of 32 measures of 4/4. Optionally, your instructor may extend the length and/or request that your duet employ two separate pedal point sections (Section A and Section B, with a return to A using D.C. al Fine form). Consider an unusual meter (7/8 or 10/8) to add rhythmic interest!
5) Use Noteflight or Finale (or any other computer music notation app) to typeset your score (and drafts leading up to the final version). Provide a link to your score on your area of the wiki.
6) OPTIONAL: A live performance of the duet may be required (check with your instructor). If so, you a portion of your grade will be based on a successful performance; be sure to write within the ability-level of your players!
The following media will help you know how to proceed:
Pedal Point Duet Project Example: Here's a fine example of a student Pedal Point Duet from the past: MP3 and Score (Noteflight.com).
PEDAL POINT DUET PROJECT TASK SHEET (grade calculator) - Use this to be sure you have included each element of the composition. This will be used to calculate your final draft project grade.
Your duet must adhere to the following criteria:
1) Write for two of the same instruments (i.e. two clarinets) or - with your instructor's permission - two different instruments (i.e. flute and bassoon, Clarinet and cello, etc. or even Piano LH & RH). Be sure to discuss with your instructor any issues of instrument "transposition."
2) A pedal point on the first scale degree, or between 1 and 5, must be maintained throughout either in one part or shared between both parts (it may switch), using any of the pedal point types described in the video above (i.e. long sustain, ostinato rhythm, DO-SOLetc.). I will allow small departures from asserting a continuous pedal, but they must be momentary.
3) The non-pedal point part should employ a melodic contour (i.e. arch shape, ascending to climax, etc.) or some other musically compelling organizing principle.
4) The length should be no less than the equivalent of 32 measures of 4/4. Optionally, your instructor may extend the length and/or request that your duet employ two separate pedal point sections (Section A and Section B, with a return to A using D.C. al Fine form). Consider an unusual meter (7/8 or 10/8) to add rhythmic interest!
5) Use Noteflight or Finale (or any other computer music notation app) to typeset your score (and drafts leading up to the final version). Provide a link to your score on your area of the wiki.
6) OPTIONAL: A live performance of the duet may be required (check with your instructor). If so, you a portion of your grade will be based on a successful performance; be sure to write within the ability-level of your players!
The following media will help you know how to proceed:
VIDEO: Detailed Explanation/Examples of Pedal Point
Pedal Point Duet Project (video explanation/tutorial): This explanation takes a basic/simple approach - your pedal point can be much more tonally and rhythmically expressive than the music given as an example!
Pedal Point Duet Project Example: Here's a fine example of a student Pedal Point Duet from the past: MP3 and Score (Noteflight.com).
PEDAL POINT DUET PROJECT TASK SHEET (grade calculator) - Use this to be sure you have included each element of the composition. This will be used to calculate your final draft project grade.